Winter Triggers Spike in Heart Emergencies in Kashmir: GMC Srinagar Issues Urgent Advisory
By: Javid Amin | 29 December 2025
Winter Tightens Its Grip—and the Heart Feels the Strain
Srinagar—As winter tightens its grip on Kashmir, hospitals across the Valley are witnessing a worrying surge in heart-related emergencies, prompting Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar to issue an urgent public advisory.
Doctors at GMC and associated hospitals report a sharp rise in patients presenting with chest pain, breathlessness, sudden fatigue, and acute cardiac distress, particularly during the colder hours of the day and night. Health officials warn that delayed medical response, often driven by the tendency to “wait and watch,” is costing lives.
“Timely medical intervention saves lives. Waiting for symptoms to pass can have irreversible consequences,” the advisory stresses—an unusually direct warning that reflects the seriousness of the situation.
This winter pattern, medical experts say, is not accidental. It is the result of physiological stress caused by cold temperatures, combined with behavioral, lifestyle, and systemic factors unique to Kashmir’s harsh winter months.
Hospitals Report Spike in Cardiac Emergencies
What Doctors Are Seeing on the Ground
Emergency departments at GMC Srinagar and other major hospitals have reported:
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Increased admissions for acute coronary syndrome
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More cases of heart attacks and unstable angina
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Higher incidence of sudden cardiac collapse, especially among the elderly
Doctors confirm that many patients arrive late, often hours after the onset of symptoms, significantly reducing the chances of successful intervention.
“We are seeing patients who ignored chest discomfort or breathlessness for hours, assuming it was cold-related fatigue. By the time they arrive, the damage is already extensive,” a senior cardiologist at GMC Srinagar said.
Why Winter Is Especially Dangerous for the Heart
Medical science has long established a clear link between cold weather and increased cardiovascular risk. Kashmir’s prolonged winters amplify these risks.
1. Vasoconstriction: Blood Vessels Narrow in Cold
Cold temperatures cause vasoconstriction, where blood vessels narrow to preserve body heat. This leads to:
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Reduced blood flow to the heart
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Increased workload on the heart
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Higher risk of clot formation
For individuals with existing arterial blockages, this can trigger a heart attack.
2. Rise in Blood Pressure
In winter, the body works harder to maintain warmth. This results in:
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Elevated blood pressure
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Increased heart rate
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Greater strain on cardiac muscles
Uncontrolled blood pressure is a major trigger for heart attacks and strokes.
3. Increased Blood Thickness
Cold weather can make blood more viscous, increasing the likelihood of clot formation, which can block coronary arteries.
4. Reduced Oxygen Supply
Constricted blood vessels and shallow breathing in cold conditions can reduce oxygen supply, worsening heart stress—especially in patients with compromised cardiac function.
Delayed Medical Response: The Biggest Risk Factor
‘Let It Pass’ Mindset Proving Fatal
One of the most alarming trends noted by GMC doctors is the delay in seeking medical help.
Common reasons include:
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Mistaking chest pain for gas or muscle strain
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Assuming breathlessness is due to cold air
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Reluctance to step out in freezing temperatures
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Fear of hospital overcrowding
Doctors warn that heart symptoms rarely resolve on their own.
“Every minute of delay increases heart muscle damage. Waiting is not an option,” the advisory emphasizes.
Who Is Most at Risk During Kashmir’s Winter?
High-Risk Groups Identified by GMC Srinagar
The advisory highlights several vulnerable categories:
1. Elderly Individuals
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Reduced physiological resilience
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Higher likelihood of blocked arteries
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Weaker temperature regulation
2. People with Pre-Existing Heart Conditions
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History of heart attack
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Angina or heart failure
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Irregular heartbeat
3. Patients with Diabetes or Hypertension
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Higher risk of silent heart attacks
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Poor vascular health
4. People Exposed to Prolonged Cold
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Outdoor workers
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Residents of poorly heated homes
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Those using inadequate winter clothing
Symptoms That Should Never Be Ignored
GMC Srinagar has urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
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Chest pain or pressure
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Pain radiating to arm, neck, jaw, or back
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Sudden breathlessness
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Cold sweats
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Nausea or dizziness
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Unexplained fatigue
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Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
Even mild or intermittent symptoms require evaluation.
Lifestyle Changes in Winter Add to the Risk
Reduced Physical Activity
Winter leads to:
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Sedentary routines
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Limited outdoor movement
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Weight gain
Reduced activity worsens cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Dietary Shifts
Winter diets often include:
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High-fat foods
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Increased salt intake
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Reduced fresh fruits and vegetables
These dietary patterns elevate cardiovascular risk.
Smoking and Indoor Pollution
Increased indoor smoking and use of heating fuels raise exposure to:
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Carbon monoxide
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Fine particulate matter
These pollutants worsen heart and lung health.
Public Health Implications: A Seasonal Crisis
Hospitals Brace for Higher Patient Inflow
GMC Srinagar and district hospitals are:
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Strengthening emergency preparedness
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Increasing staffing during peak hours
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Streamlining cardiac response protocols
Despite these measures, doctors stress that public awareness remains the first line of defense.
Family Vigilance Is Crucial
Families are urged to:
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Monitor elderly members closely
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Ensure medication compliance
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Keep emergency contact numbers ready
Early recognition saves lives.
Preventive Measures Recommended by GMC Srinagar
1. Stay Warm
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Layered clothing
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Cover head, hands, and feet
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Avoid sudden exposure to cold
2. Take Medications Regularly
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Do not skip blood pressure or heart medicines
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Avoid self-adjusting doses
3. Maintain Moderate Physical Activity
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Indoor walking
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Light stretching
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Avoid sudden exertion
4. Eat Heart-Healthy Foods
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Limit salt and saturated fats
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Include fruits, vegetables, and warm fluids
5. Avoid Tobacco and Excess Alcohol
Emergency Response: What To Do Immediately
If heart symptoms appear:
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Do not delay
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Call emergency services
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Keep the patient warm
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Avoid exertion
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Reach the nearest hospital immediately
Time lost is heart muscle lost.
Winter in Kashmir: A Broader Health Challenge
Doctors note that winter in Kashmir also intensifies:
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Respiratory infections
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Hypertension crises
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Stroke risk
The cardiac surge is part of a larger seasonal health burden, requiring coordinated response from healthcare systems and communities alike.
Expert Voices: Why Early Action Saves Lives
Cardiologists emphasize that most winter heart-related deaths are preventable with:
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Early symptom recognition
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Prompt hospital arrival
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Timely intervention
“Cold weather does not cause heart attacks alone. Delay does,” a senior GMC physician noted.
FAQs: Winter and Heart Health
Q: Can cold weather alone cause a heart attack?
Cold increases risk but usually triggers events in people with underlying heart disease.
Q: Is chest pain always severe in heart attacks?
No. Many heart attacks cause mild or atypical symptoms, especially in elderly and diabetics.
Q: Should people avoid outdoor activity in winter?
Moderate activity is safe, but sudden exertion in cold should be avoided.
Conclusion: A Medical and Social Wake-Up Call
GMC Srinagar’s winter advisory is more than a medical notice—it is a life-saving appeal. As temperatures fall, the risk to the heart rises, but awareness, preparedness, and timely action can reverse this trend.
Ignoring symptoms, doctors warn, is no longer an option.
Winter in Kashmir is harsh—but heart emergencies do not have to be fatal.
Editor’s Note
This feature is based on hospital advisories, clinical observations, and established cardiovascular science, and is prepared in compliance with Google News, Discover, and health content quality standards.
